In first visit to Yemen, IMO Secretary-General arrives in Aden to discuss impacts and repercussions of Houthi attacks on navigation

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, arrived in the interim capital, Aden, today, Tuesday, on an official visit, the first to Yemen, lasting two days, to discuss the effects and repercussions of the Houthi naval attacks.

Dominguez held separate talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Shaye Mohsen Al-Zindani, and the Minister of Transport, Abdul Salam Hamid, according to the Yemeni News Agency, Saba.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed the visit of the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, pointing out its importance as the first visit of the head of the organization to Yemen, contributing to strengthening the bonds of cooperation between the organization and Yemen, especially in light of the increasing challenges facing international navigation in the region.

During the meeting, the security situation in the Red Sea and the ongoing threats facing commercial ships due to Houthi attacks in this vital sea lane were reviewed. The two sides also discussed ways to enhance the capabilities of the agencies concerned with maritime security and safety in Yemen, and to raise the efficiency of the Coast Guard to confront the escalating challenges.

The meeting also discussed ways to support Yemen in confronting environmental risks threatening the marine environment, as a result of recent developments and Houthi threats in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

In the other meeting, the results of the effects and consequences of the Houthi militia attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden and their negative repercussions were reviewed, as well as the increase in insurance fees and shipping fees and consequently on the prices and costs of goods and services, in addition to the challenges and difficulties facing maritime transport, and the means to enhance cooperation and joint coordination between the Ministry, representing the government, and the organization.

The Minister of Transport pointed out the importance of the visit, which comes in light of Yemen's strategic location, as it overlooks a group of seas, oceans and waterways, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait, through which about 30 percent of international trade flows. He noted the important role of the Maritime Organization and its tasks in securing maritime navigation and creating highly efficient international transport and a safe, clean and pollution-free marine environment.

Minister Hamid mentioned that Yemen has joined 20 agreements and treaties of the International Maritime Organization, and there are many agreements, including the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution, the Convention on the Treatment of Oil Tanker Ballast Water, and the Nairobi Convention for the Removal of Shipwrecks. The Ministry and the government are also working to issue legislation to implement these agreements and treaties.

He pointed out that the Ministry is in the process of issuing a list of ships and ports and forming the National Committee for Maritime Security in coordination and consultation with the Ministry of Legal Affairs for review and submission to the Council of Ministers for approval.

Minister Hamid reviewed the challenges facing the government as a result of the Houthi militias’ coup against the state and its institutions and the major problems it caused, including those related to raising insurance on ships, classifying Yemeni ports as high-risk ports and its impact on the economic situation and the livelihood of citizens.

He touched on the repercussions of the terrorist attacks by the Houthi militias on international shipping lines and ships, and the accidents and disasters resulting from those attacks, stressing that the continued flow of weapons to the Houthi militias does not pose a threat to Yemen, but rather a comprehensive threat to the security and peace of the region and the world.

The Minister of Transport appreciated the role played by the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization and the direct support provided to the Ministry and the General Authority for Maritime Affairs through capacity building, holding internal and external workshops, which amounted to about 25 training courses, and qualifying 80 maritime cadres in technical, administrative and technological fields.

He expressed his hope to contribute to providing the requirements and needs to build the capacities of entities related to the maritime fields, and to provide the necessary equipment for preserving the marine environment and international shipping lines.

For his part, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization indicated that his visit to Yemen comes within the framework of interest in the strategic maritime location and to closely learn about the effects of the Houthi naval attacks and to learn about the nature of the assistance, support and assistance that can be provided by the members of the Maritime Organization.

He pointed out the strategic and important location enjoyed by Yemen, stressing that the organization will continue to provide all necessary assistance according to priorities to overcome the challenges facing it as a result of attacks on international navigation and maritime safety.

The Minister of Transport and the UN official also inspected the building of the General Authority for Maritime Affairs, and were briefed on the progress of work, activities and needs to develop performance, as well as the tasks assigned to the Regional Center for the Exchange of Maritime Security Information affiliated with the Authority. This was followed by a sea tour of the port of Aden and a review of the movement of maritime activity and the unique features of the port’s location.